Report: Discipline settlement talks for Watson 'fell apart'

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson awaits word on discipline from the NFL. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Discipline settlement talks between NFL, NFLPA, Deshaun Watson camp reportedly 'fell apart'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/23/22

Attorney Tony Buzbee generated headlines earlier this week when he announced that 20 of the 24 active civil lawsuits regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions that Cleveland Browns star quarterback Deshaun Watson had been facing were now settled.

An official NFL statement later confirmed that update had "no impact on the collectively bargained disciplinary process" as it pertains to a suspension Watson is expected to receive this summer for violating the league's personal conduct policy. However, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio previously explained the NFL Players Association, which will defend Watson against any ban, could work on "a negotiated resolution" with the league.

According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, the NFL, NFLPA and Watson's advisors attempted to come to a "discipline settlement." Anderson added, however, that such talks "fell apart" after the sides couldn't agree on how many games Watson would miss while suspended:

I'm told there've been recent attempts by the NFL, the NFLPA & Deshaun Watson's advisors to negotiate a discipline settlement. However talks involving a potential number of games missed "fell apart" not being on the same page. As of now, process moves forward, per league sources.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 23, 2022

Sportico's Michael McCann responded to this news via Twitter:

A negotiated settlement on a Deshaun Watson suspension would bring closure for him and NFL--there'd be no appeal and no lawsuit thereafter. But two sides might be far apart on a number. NFL has leverage since under disciplinary policy, Goodell or someone he picks hears an appeal. https://t.co/99P1b0fpai
— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) June 23, 2022

Anderson then noted:

Not to mention that folks should understand that conversations happen all the time behind-the-scenes; not just for Watson. In his case, the goal remains to get the league process wrapped up so there's an understanding going into training camps--at this time. https://t.co/kNFtJGZe1e
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 23, 2022

Florio reported last week the NFLPA "is bracing for a recommendation by the league of 'unprecedented' punishment" of Watson, and the Washington Post later said the NFL will "probably" look to suspend the 26-year-old signal-caller for an entire season.

Watson has repeatedly maintained his innocence, and two grand juries declined to indict him on any criminal charges.

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